BEST HOTELS IN KERALA

BEST LUXURY HOTEL IN KOCHI | GRAND HYATT KOCHI BOLGATTY

When in Kerala, you definitely have to check out the tourism hub of Kochi. Whether you’re travelling for business, for leisure or with children, we’ve discovered the best luxury hotel in Kochi to suit everyone. Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty offers the ideal location, ambiance, and comfort to experience the best of Kochi in luxury. This waterfront urban resort on Bolgatty Island offers spectacular views of the natural attractions of Lake Vembanad, Kochi’s backwaters and palm-fringed shores all surrounded by lush greenery.

With its bold architecture, dramatic landscapes, opulent guestrooms and suites, dining options, and one of the largest event spaces in South India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is the best luxury hotel in Kochi, offering you more than just a stay.

THE CONCEPT

As the third Grand Hyatt branded hotel in India, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty sits on 26 acres of land on Bolgatty Island. Although considered the biggest and grandest hotel in the city, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is a family friendly resort that caters to all. No one has to compromise on luxury here.

A blend of cultural influences can be seen in the lobby lounge

Aiming to be the gateway of Kerala, you’ll find a blend of local, Arabic, Dutch and Portuguese elements reflecting the region’s cultural and economic history. The influences of Kerala can be found in the arches, artworks, tiered landscaped gardens and water bodies around the hotel. The Arabic influence are found in its gold trimmings, chandeliers, carpets and latticed screens. Design elements such as muted colours, dark wood and straight lines draw inspiration from the West.

THE ROOMS

This gorgeous hotel overlooking the magnificent Lake Vembanad is a little more than well-equipped with 264 swanky guest rooms including 38 Grand Suites and four villas. Each room and all public spaces in the hotel offer lovely views of the calm backwaters, landscaped gardens or the city.

Presidential Suite

Luxurious white marble bathroom in the Presidential Suite

The Suite of all Suites. Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty’s Presidential Suits is opulence at its finest. Perched on the 7th floor, it offers the luxury of unparalleled views of the city and Lake Vembanad. Occupying 318 sq. m, the suite has two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, an entertainment area, walk-in closets, living room, dining room, an office and spacious balcony. The white-marbled bathroom is certainly a space of ultimate relaxation and a stand-out of the suite.

Private Villas

Magnificent high ceilings in the private villas

For those looking for a home away from home, the two-levels, 214 sq. m two-bedroom and 287 sq m. three-bedroom villas at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is for you. You’ll enjoy all the amenities and facilities of a luxury hotel right in your own villa. Each villa is named after a local spice and offers its guests luxurious bedrooms, an office, a fully equipped kitchen, maid’s room, private balconies, a plunge pool and easy access to the main swimming pool.

THE SCENE

Smiles all around the reception area

There is a mix of guests in the hotel. Business travellers are commonly seen during the weekdays and families tend to come over the weekend. The spaciousness of the hotel means that you’ll hardly feel cramped and even at full occupancy, you’re unlikely to be bumping elbows with anyone.

There is a touch of luxury everywhere, however, the vibe is still quite casual and friendly.

THE RESTAURANTS

Colony Clubhouse & Grill

Inspired by the colonial history of Kochi, Colony Clubhouse & Grill is an elevated old-world grill on the hotel’s rooftop serving tantalizing dishes with Dutch, Portuguese, English and Arab influences, with an emphasis on fresh seafood.

Select from the array of fresh seafood on displaySucculent Kerala Oysters are highly recommended

Here, you’ll find giant prawns grilled to perfection, succulent local oysters, a variety of mezze and grilled meats. Most items on the menu are locally and sustainably sourced and prepared using traditional techniques. The open-concept kitchen showcases what’s going on behind-the-scenes and you’ll also taste some of the organic homegrown micro greens and herbs on display.

The sophisticated interior of Colony

As you walk in to the restaurant, you’ll immediately notice the modern twist on an old-world charm feel of the interior. From the lush purple velvet sofas to the gold trimmings all around, there is an air of sophistication and timeless elegance here.

Colony Clubhouse & Grill is open for lunch and dinner and is the ideal place to watch the sunset from its outdoor terrace.

Thai Soul

Helmed by Chef Suppatra and her team, Thai Soul brings authentic and traditional Thai food to Kochi. You’ll find classic popular items such as Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong and Mango Sticky Rice on the menu. However, do try the weekly and monthly promotional menus which can feature curries from around Thailand, Bangkok Street Food and much more.

The live kitchen is truly a sensory experience

You’ll see fire, smoke and lots of action in this show kitchen. All sauces are made in-house and the flavours will bring you back to Thailand. The interior is bright, modern, casual and spacious and you definitely won’t come out of the restaurant smelling like Green Curry Chicken.

Thai Soul is open for lunch and dinner and the homemade Thai Iced Tea ice-cream is a must-try dessert.

Malabar Cafe

Enjoy authentic flavour of Malabari cuisine at Malabar Cafe. Drawing on Kochi’s culinary and cultural legacies, Malabar Cafe offers a relaxed and modern South Indian setting. From Malabari family recipes to time-honored dishes and signature masterpieces, guests feel the nostalgia of a mother’s home-cooked meal, made and served with warmth and love.

Freshly cooked seafood is part of the buffet spreadNorth Indian flavours are also on offer during the buffet

Ingredients are all locally sourced and all spices and masalas are hand-mixed for that authentic touch. Sample the selection of homemade pickles that will certainly delight your senses.

Malabar Cafe is open for breakfast – offering a variety of local and western cuisine, buffet lunch, tea time and themed buffet dinners with ala carte options.

Grand Club Lounge

The elegant seating areas in the lounge

Located on the 5th floor, the Grand Club Lounge is open to guests who are staying in its Club Rooms and Suites. You’ll get to enjoy a quieter breakfast here in the mornings, complimentary tea time with lip-smacking cookies in the afternoons and daily complimentary pre-dinner bites with a selection of hot and cold canapés and drinks in the evenings.

There is also a meeting room within the Grand Lounge, sofas to lounge on, a TV lounge and a dedicated receptionist.

CURATED EXPERIENCES

Step out of the hotel and experience the local life around you in luxury. Specially curated excursions have been created to enable guests to explore and learn more about Kerala’s offerings.

Explore Kochi on this fun tuk tuk ride

Work out those arms and kayak around Lake Vembanad while stopping for local activities such as Toddy Tapping and see a Chinese Fishing Net up close in the backwaters of Kochi. Go on a Tuk Tuk tour around the fascinating lanes of Kochi, see how fishing is done with a local fisherman and then head off to a fish auction or visit a local village and learn about the life of a countryman – the choice is yours!

Bask under the sunshine at this secluded beach

For sun-lovers and beach-seekers, you can enjoy spending the day on a tour that will take you to see the not-to-be-missed beaches around Kochi. This private tour will take you to Fort Kochi Beach to see the how the fishing nets are used, then you’re off to Puthuvype Beach where you’ll get a chance to see the entire coastline from atop a lighthouse. This will be followed by lunch at the serene Cherai Beach and after that, down to Kuzhupilly beach where you have the option of working on your tan and relaxing on your very own private sunbed – something you won’t find anywhere else in the city. The last stop will be at Marari Beach, where you’ll get to witness the magnificent sunset of Kerala if you’re lucky.

Prices for these curated experiences start from 2500INR onwards.

SANTATA SPA

Professional and friendly therapists at Santata SpaElegant interior of the reception area at the spa

Offering a range of Ayurvedic and western therapies, Santata Spa at the Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is truly a hidden oasis spread across 22,000 sq.ft. Santata features seven treatment rooms including one designated Ayurveda room. There is also a his & hers relaxation rooms, spa locker rooms, crystal steam room, sauna, plunge pool, ice bath fountain, experience shower, member’s lounge and a hydrotherapy area. You can select various massages, facials, manicures, and unique wellness packages during your time here.

Inside one of the relaxing treatment rooms in Santata Spa

Santata’s signature treatments include the Navarakizhi (Bundle Nourishing Therapy). This special treatment uses milk processed with herbs and combined with a special type of rice called Navara. The rice is boiled with the herbal milk and then tied into a cloth bundle and massaged all over the body using compression to relieve arthritis and strengthen the nerves.

The Shirodhara, also known as the stream of oil is truly a luxurious experience here. Performed by two therapists at the same time, the synchronicity of four hands massaging you will put you into deep relaxation. Oil is then poured on the forehead and massaged into the scalp, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, hair loss and fatigue.

THE SWIMMING POOLS

Outdoor Pool

Lush greenery surrounding the main pool

The main swimming pool gets plenty of sunlight all day. It is also decked out with sun loungers that are in the water and perfect for working on that golden tan. There is also a water slide for children in the kid’s swimming pool at the end of the main pool. There is also a separate pool on the other end with more sun loungers and a jacuzzi for those who prefer some quiet time away from children.

Cabanas with sun loungers are also available as well as a poolside bar. Sunscreen and a refreshing facial spray are also provided to ensure maximum comfort during your stay.

Indoor Pool

The beautiful indoor pool area

The 25m heated indoor lap pool is perfect for rainy days, for those who had too much sun or for those who are training to be Michael Phelps.

SPORTS & FITNESS CENTER

State-of-the-art fitness equipment in the gym

For fitness buffs, the center is open 24 hours a day. It’s equipped with the latest fitness equipment from Technogym as well as an area for free weights. There is also a yoga room and a fitness instructor on duty.

There is also a tennis court and you can even rent bicycles to cycle around the property.

KIDS CLUB

Kids will have so much fun spending the day here

A luxury hotel with a kid’s club? Yes it’s true! From toddlers to teenagers, they’ll be taken care of by qualified childcare staff who will supervise them in fun activities including arts & crafts, cycling around the property, games, movie screenings and even time for siesta. Kids Club at the Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is open from 9am until 9pm everyday. Extra charges are applicable.

There is also a kid’s play area with soft white sand right outside the Kids Club and next to the main pool.

WHAT WE LIKED

Lush greenery surrounding the hotel

The resort feel of the entire complex, the lush green surroundings around the swimming pool and magnificent sunsets.

All rooms are controlled by sensor and the lights come on as soon as you step into your room. The switch-controlled black-out curtains, night lights and master switch by the bed are also an added bonus. We also appreciate the quietness of the rooms and the Himalayan Bath Salts to soak in the tub.

We also like how the hotel caters to the whole family. Mom can spend the day in the spa, Dad can spend his time swimming, playing tennis or in the gym while the kids can play in the kids club and make new friends along the way. The warmth and care taken by each and every staff at the Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, truly makes it the best luxury hotel in Kochi.